Joint Finance Committee scales back proposed UW system cuts by $250 million

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Joint Finance Committee scales back proposed UW system cuts by $250 million

MADISON, Wis. — The Legislature’s budget-writing committee has voted to cut the University of Wisconsin System by $250 million, eliminate tenure in state law, limit shared governance provisions and give UW more flexibility to save money.

The Joint Finance Committee voted to approve the changes Friday with all Republicans in support and Democrats against. The budget must pass the Senate and Assembly and be signed by Gov. Scott Walker before taking effect.

Walker had proposed a $300 million cut but the committee lowered it by $50 million.

The committee also rejected Walker’s call to give UW independence from most state laws and oversight.

However, it agreed with Walker’s call to freeze tuition the next two years. But after that, UW could raise tuition as much as it wants.